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For decades, the construction industry has relied on steel reinforcement mesh to strengthen screeds and concrete. However, steel mesh comes with significant challenges—it’s heavy, prone to rust, difficult to install, and expensive. Walther Strong’s latest breakthrough, Rebarflex, is not only revolutionising the industry—it has now been shortlisted for the Product Innovation of the Year award at the Construction News Awards!
This exciting recognition underscores how Rebarflex is setting new standards in efficiency, durability, and safety.
Rebarflex is a high-performance, alkali-resistant fibreglass mesh designed to replace traditional steel reinforcement. Developed using advanced ALKAMAXX coating, it ensures long-lasting durability while simplifying installation.
Unlike steel mesh, Rebarflex will never rust, can be cut with standard scissors, and is lightweight, making it easy for a single person to install without the need for specialist tools.
6x Faster to Install
Rebarflex is supplied in a lightweight roll format (1m x 50m), allowing for effortless transport and installation. Unlike heavy steel mesh, which requires multiple workers and specialist cutting tools, one person can install Rebarflex in a fraction of the time.
62% More Effective at Crack Prevention
Traditional steel mesh can create stress points if not properly placed, leading to cracks in screeds and concrete. Rebarflex, with its flexible structure and advanced material composition, distributes load evenly, significantly reducing crack formation.
Superior Strength & Durability
With an impressive tensile strength of 2750N/500mm, Rebarflex offers equivalent or better reinforcement than steel mesh for applications using 4 inches of concrete while remaining lighter and more adaptable.
Cost-Effective & Sustainable
By eliminating the need for heavy-duty transport, power tools, and additional labour, Rebarflex can reduce reinforcement costs by 50% compared to steel mesh. Additionally, its lower carbon footprint makes it a more sustainable choice.
Safer for Contractors & Merchants
Traditional steel mesh has sharp edges that pose injury risks. Many merchants have even stopped stocking steel mesh due to safety concerns. Rebarflex eliminates these hazards, offering a safer alternative for handling and installation.
When reinforcing a screed layer, both steel reinforcement and Rebarflex serve to improve strength, crack resistance, and durability. However, they differ in material properties, installation methods, and performance in specific applications. Below is a detailed comparison:
| Criteria | Steel Reinforcement | Rebarflex |
| Material Composition | Steel bars or welded steel mesh | Alkali-resistant reinforced ALKAMAXX fiberglass mesh |
| Weight | Heavy, requiring significant labour for handling | Lightweight and easy to handle |
| Installation | Requires proper positioning and support to prevent sinking into the screed. Cutting machine to cut steel | Easy to cut and install directly into the screed layer – knife to cut or scissors |
| Thickness of Screed | Suitable for thick screeds (typically >50 mm) | Designed for low-thickness screeds (<50 mm) |
| Flexibility | Rigid, does not conform to substrate movements | Flexible, adapts to slight structural movements |
| Crack Prevention | High tensile strength, but may cause cracks if improperly positioned | Distributes stress more evenly, reducing crack formation |
| Durability & Corrosion | Prone to corrosion in humid environments unless galvanized | ALKAMAXX Coated Alkali-resistant, does not corrode or rust |
| Thermal Conductivity | High thermal conductivity, may create thermal bridges | Low thermal conductivity, improves insulation properties |
| Cost | Higher material and labour costs | Much more cost-effective |
| Best Use Cases | Heavy-load industrial floors, thick screeds, high-traffic areas | Residential and commercial flooring, thin screeds, renovation projects |
Steel reinforcement is ideal for thicker screeds and heavy-load applications, such as industrial floors and large commercial areas. However, it requires careful installation and is prone to corrosion.
Rebarflex is a lighter, corrosion-resistant, and more flexible alternative designed for low medium-thickness screeds, making it easier to install and cost-effective, especially for residential and commercial flooring.
Rebarflex is ready to transform construction with superior durability, corrosion resistance, and enhanced safety, setting a new benchmark in reinforcement technology. By eliminating sharp edges, reducing labour needs, and promoting sustainability, it solves major industry challenges.
Rebarflex is a true game-changer, redefining reinforcement for a faster, safer, and more cost-effective future.
